Auburn Welcome Center

Open Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm / Sunday 11:00am - 4:30pm

Placer County is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, epicureans and history buffs alike. Though Placer County is famous for its rich Gold Rush history, there is much "gold" in the modern day activities as the famous American River that flows through the canyons. In Placer County you can hike among pine trees, raft the glorious rivers, mountain bike in the endurance capital of the world and then picnic under live oaks with a bottle of Mediterranean style wine all in one day. If it is a leisurely pace you desire, stroll amongst one of the many historic business districts, sip wine at an award winning winery in the central county communities of Auburn, Newcastle and Loomis or tee up at one of the many pristine golf courses or sail the emerald waters of North Shore Lake Tahoe. And finally, if history is what you are looking for, Placer County is rich with a bounty of museums and historic sites.

Contact Information

About Our Welcome Center

1. Where are the good Hiking Trails?
The best hiking trails are in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Stop in at the California Welcome Center - Auburn for free trail maps, or browse the more detailed books and US Forest Service maps for sale.

2. Can I still pan for gold?
Yes, the American River, Yuba River and Bear River are open for Panning.

3. Where are the closest Giant Redwoods?
Placer Big Tree Grove in Foresthill has the largest redwoods in Placer County.

4. Do you have OHV information?
Yes, we have maps of many trails in Placer County.

5. What is the weather like in this area?
Average temperature 60.5 - Average rainfall 35.91 inches. In summer, the temperature can soar into the 100s during the daytime, with cooler nights at the higher elevations. Winter sees temperatures dropping well below freezing in the higher elevations, with overnight temperatures occasionally below zero in the mountains. Occasionally, snow falls as low as Auburn (around 1500 ft elevation), but unlike up in the mountains, never stays on the ground for long. The weather is changeable and is apt to close the highways in winter, so always carry chains and be prepared for weather extremes.

6. Do you sell SnoPark Passes?
Yes, available November thru May. they are $5.00 for a Day Pass and $25.00 for the Season Pass, and include maps.

7. Can you help me get to San Francisco and what is there to see?
We have maps of San Francisco and many brochures telling you what is available to see and do.

8. Do you have Biking Trail Maps?
Yes.

9. Do you have a map of California?
Yes. As a matter of fact, we have maps in several languages, as well as travel planners.

10. Do you have camping guides for California and local areas?
We have California and Placer County guides to camping.

11. What are your hours?
Monday-Saturday 9:30 to 4:30 - Sunday 11:00 to 4:30

12. Do you sell California Annual Golden Poppy Pass?
Yes, the pass sells for $125 which is good for one full year.